The largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent’s northern and southern regions, is also the most popular tourist destination in the world. There are many reasons why so many people enjoy visiting such rich and diverse country, including the natural beauty, amazing climate, outdoor activities on offer, cultural and entertainment options available including some of the world’s best museums and galleries. Along with these things, France is enjoyed and well-known for its rich and varied cuisine, as well as for its renowned wines. A perfect trip for any interest, be it treating your palate, quenching your cultural thrist or exercise your outdoor enthusiast.
Mkonikkara, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
France has four distinct seasons and each offers different delights for travellers. The best time to visit France is from late-April to mid-October, with generally good weather, although hot weather is to be expected during the months of July and August particularly in the centre and south of the country. Late spring and early autumn offer nice weather and lighter crowds, though summer brings festivals, animated villages, reliable weather, and longer opening hours at sights. In general terms, France enjoys mild temperatures, although there are some strongs differences between regions: Mediterranean weather in the south and south-east, as well as in Corsica, wetter cooler weather in the west and, particularly in the north, near the English Channel. Winter can be a good time to explore cities like Paris and the museums and art galleries on offer, as the crowds are fewer, yet the restaurants are still lively with locals. Late autumn and begining of winter are extra lively in the east of the country with Christmas markets, which attract many tourists. Spring is pleasant across the country, with fewer crowds. The end of the spring brings the blooming to the lavender fields in the region of Provence, which continues through the summer months when foreign and specially locals crowd every corner of the country. Autumn is still warm, with vibrant landscapes as the leaves change colour.
Hiking and other outdoor activities: especially around Mont Blanc, generally, the season to climb to the summit is from June to September. September is great, the trails are generally a little quieter whilst the weather is usually still warm and clear. Expect warm temperatures (15 to 25ºC) in the valleys, cool (5 to 15ºC) on the passes and very cold (-20ºC) on the summit, with strong winds too.
Wine and Champagne tours: from May to October, the weather is perfect to discover and taste some of France’s best wine regions. Summer is a particularly good time to visit Champagne, since this region sees cooler temperatures and heavier rainfall. In case you hit hot weather, Champagne’s cellars, called “crayères” offer great relief. The fall harvest begins in late September and that’s when the producers are at their busiest, but another excellent time to go is just after the harvest is finished but the fall colours are still in effect.
Skiing and other winter activities: the best time to go skiing is between December and April, which is the main ski season in most resorts, and each month has its benefits. Late December has the whisper of the festive season whilst January is quieter and very snow sure. February is probably the most popular time to go skiing for families. March and early April have warmer more settled weather but longer days.
Mardi Gras: is celebrated in various cities around France, like Paris, and especially Nice with its Carnaval de Nice, one of the largest carnivals in the world. In France, this festive season comes with sumptuous public celebrations or parades which take place in many French towns and schools. Mardi Gras was the last day Christians could eat “des mets gras” (fatty foods) before spending 40 days of prayer and meat abstinence, until Easter.
Christmas´s markets: the season starts in the mid-November until late-December, some markets early January.
The Euro is the official currency. Typically, 1,05 to 1,25 euro per US Dollar.
French is the official language. English is not widely spoken, specially on rural areas and older generations. You can generally count on those people in restaurants and hotels to speak some English.
Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter France. For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you may be required to apply in advance for a long-stay visa, depending on your nationality. During its period of validity, the long-stay visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa, enabling you to move around and stay in the Schengen Area outside France for periods not exceeding 90 days over any period of 180 consecutive days, under the same conditions as if you held a Schengen visa.
For non-European French territories most nationalities are subject to long-stay visa requirements to stay in said territories for more than 90 days, with the exception of citizens of the European Union, Monaco and Andorra.
For more information about visa and the requirements you can check this website.
ATMs are plentiful in France where they are known as DABs or “distributeur automatique de billet”. Do be careful if you are staying in a small village or rural area, since ATM machines may not be at hand. French ATMs accept chip-and-pin cards and cards with only a magnetic strip on the back, including any MasterCard (as well as Cirrus and Maestro) or Visa (also Plus). Credit and debit card payments are widely accepted, even for small amount.
Traditional French shopping week comprises six days, Monday to Saturday, with shops generally open from 9 a.m. to Midday, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. In towns and villages, it is still the rule that shops close at lunchtime. However, things are changing, and in urban shopping areas, most large shops such as department stores now operate what is called “la journée continue”, and do not close at midday. Out-of-town supermarkets in France also tend to stay open at lunchtime, and depending on the town or district, other shops in large urban or suburban shopping centres also stay open. Out of town supermarkets and superstores, do not usually close for lunch. They generally open from 8.30 am until 8pm or later. Most restaurants offer service between 12pm and 2.30pm, and 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Depending on the restaurant, these hours can also be quite specific, restaurants are often very strict about only serving within the designated hours. As a general rule, arrive at the restaurant before 1pm or 8pm, or you may not be accepted. In cities, some restaurants will stay open later, but it is very difficult to find lunch and dinner options outside of these main service hours. Even bar-restaurants and bistros that stay open all day will typically only serve food during the lunchtime and dinnertime periods.
Time: GMT +1 hour.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (Europe’s second busiest airport and by far France largest)
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (the third largest in France and is of great importance for tourism along the French Riviera: Nice, Monaco and Cannes)
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (main airport for easy access to the Alps)
Aéroport de Toulouse–Blagnac (is one of the busiest airports in France and an important hub for low-cost carriers)
Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (is the largest airport in Corsica)
Public transportation in France is generally serves most of towns in an effective manner. You can easily use a train, metro, or bus to get anywhere in the country, while Paris certainly has the greatest public transport system in the country, you can also rely on countrywide transport to get you between cities. The easiest way of getting around Paris is “le Métro”. There are 16 lines that can get you anywhere in the city. Metro stations are identified by street signs displaying a large “M”. You can buy a ticket at “guichets” (ticket offices), newsagents, and café-tabacs. There are also automatic ticket machines at stations. One ticket is good for any one-way journey, no matter the length. You can use your Metro ticket on the Metro, on buses, and on the RER within the city limits. If you are staying in Paris, it may be better to get a weekly “Passe Navigo”. You can buy one at any Metro station in Paris but you will also need a passport-sized photo. The “Passe Navigo” can also be used in all “Île-de-France”, to go to Fontainebleau, Versailles, or as far as Provins.
Traveling by train in France, if you want to get between French cities, you can comfortably take SNCF trains. This French national railway company runs an efficient system, with clean trains and comfortable seats. You can book tickets in advance through their website or directly at the stations. Before boarding a train, you must validate your ticket by pushing it into a small machine that punches a hole and stamps the date. There are frequently ticket inspectors on trains, keep your ticket on you to avoid a fine. The TGV (“train à grande vitesse”) system offers high-speed links from Paris to many regional capitals. French inter-city public transportation does not get more efficient than this. Tickets for these trains must be booked in advance and all seats are pre-allocated. Three levels of pricing are available: standard (tourist), standard premier (upgrade with a small meal), and full Business Premier (Club Class).
Renting a car is fairly easy and straightforward to drive in the country. However, driving in Paris is not recommended, since taking public transportation is much easier and efficient. Like most of continental Europe, the French drive on the right side of the road, and speeds and distances are measured and given in kilometres. The speed limit is 130 kmph (80 mph) on expressways, 90 kmph (56 mph) on the roads, and 50 kmph (31 mph) in built-up areas. Be aware that French expressways are toll roads. As you enter the expressway, you will either pay a few coins or collect a ticket and pay at the other end. The “routesnationales” (national roads) run parallel to the toll roads and are free. However, these roads are slower.
Traveling by bus in France was not nearly as popular today. Intercity buses in France, as mentioned above, liberalization of the bus market, allowed new, smaller bus companies to start operating long-distance routes. However, bus travel on these distances is a cheaper and faster alternative. There are two main bus companies in France which serve the majority of intercity routes Flixbus and BlaBlaBus. Timetable for intercity, regional and local buses can be easily found online.
Traveling by bicycle, France is a great country for cycling, much of the country has a number of urban and rural paths. If you want more information about routes, you can check this website.
Waving at the waiter to get their attention, speaking loud particularly at night, thinking that you can eat at any time especially in small towns, expecting shops and attractions to be open on Sundays, not adapting at the French timetables, not greeting your shopkeeper with a “Bonjour”, not stamping your train ticket at the metro station in France, assuming everyone speaks or even understands English.
Where to start with French cuisine? No other country pays so much attention to detail when it comes to cooking. French cuisine is rich and varied, with strong roles played by cheeses and wine, and it is responsible for several great culinary delicacies. Culinary tourism is common in France and there are plenty of publications focused on helping you choose a restaurant or bistro to your liking. Some French dishes are: “Tarte Flambée” (Alsatian bacon and onion tart), “Cassoulet” (slow-cooked casserole originating in the south of France, traditionally containing duck, garlic sausage, pork skin and white beans), “Bouillabaisse” (an iconic Provencal dish from Marseille, featuring shellfish and different types of fish, infused with saffron, garlic and cayenne; served with grilled bread or croutons), “Tartiflette” (from the Savoie and Haute Savoie are home to this piece, made with potato and melted Reblochon cheese, lardons and onion), “Tarte Tatin” (a classic French dessert, a pastry usually with caramelized apples served with crème anglaise or ice cream), “Chocolate soufflé” (the crispy chocolatey crust is perfect for letting the creamy chocolate ooze out for a rich surprise).
Power sockets in France feature European plugs, types C and F, unearthed and earthed two round pin plugs. Electricity operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
All travelers to France are highly recommended to obtain travel insurance to France when heading towards the country. However, European citizens can access healthcare at a reduced cost or even sometimes for free thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Health authorities back in your EU country will reimburse up to 80% of the total cost of essential medical procedures. The EHIC does not cover private health care, so make sure that you are treated by a state health-care provider (conventionné). You will need to pay directly and fill in a treatment form (feuille de soins) to claim any refunds. Non-EEA nationals are not covered in France and must utilize their own health insurance or pay for their expenses.
No vaccinations are required to travel to France.
Generally, a gratuity is not required in restaurants and to waiters/waitresses, because there is a 15% service fee is automatically included in all cafés, restaurants, bars, etc. as part of the price of each item.